By Design - Summer 2019

DIGEST 9 Illinois Lohmann Quitno begins White Eagle renovation L ohmann Quitno Golf Course Architects has started a renovation project at the 27-hole White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville, Illinois. The firm is overhauling the bunker scheme on the course, to reduce the maintenance burden and make placement more relevant for modern distances. The project also includes the addition of new tees and expansion of some greens. “The final scope of work will include a complete renovation of the bunkering, reducing the overall sand area to around 86,000 square feet over the 27 holes,” said Todd Quitno, ASGCA. Eighteen holes will remain open and the project is expected to be completed by August 2019. Photo: Lohmann Quitno Golf Course Architects A visualisation of the eighteenth hole as proposed by the architects, with expanded green and fairway approach Florida Johnston oversees Jacksonville course updates C onstruction work has begun at Jacksonville Golf & Country Club in Florida, with golf course architect Clyde Johnston, ASGCA, overseeing the reconstruction of greens and bunkers. The reconstruction of greens will see the removal of the original greensmix and gravel down to the subgrade. Jacksonville G&CC opened in 1989 and was one of Johnston’s first projects after establishing his design firm two years earlier. “The greens putting surface has shrunk over the last 29 years due to encroachment from the fairway grass, so we are expanding them back to their original sizes,” said Johnston. “During this process we will reduce the slopes on the putting surface since we are changing from Tif-Dwarf bermuda to Tif-Eagle bermuda. “The members will notice larger greens and more pinnable areas. They will also notice slightly faster green speeds. “We are rebuilding all of the course’s sand bunkers, adding a few, and eliminating a few as well,” continued Johnston. “Bunkers are always more noticeable with whiter sand and better playing conditions.” MacCurrach Golf Construction began work in mid-April and is scheduled to be complete by July, with the course reopening in autumn. Photo: Clyde Johnston